1. the radio frequencies used for broadcasting radio and television programs
Usage: usually plural
2. the medium of radio and television broadcasting
Usage: usually plural; figurative

Examples

• The new radio station will hit the airwaves next month.
• Politicians are flooding the airwaves with campaign ads.
• The emergency broadcast interrupted regular programming on all airwaves.
• She’s been dominating the airwaves with her hit song.
• The FCC regulates use of the airwaves in the United States.
• Local news anchors took to the airwaves to report the breaking story.
• The pirate radio station was broadcasting illegally on restricted airwaves.